Note from Olympia

COVID-19 has interrupted seafood markets, both here in the Pacific Northwest and globally. International trade has been disrupted, making it difficult for shellfish growers, crabbers, trawlers, and other commercial fishers to export their catch to other countries for processing and for consumption. Travel restrictions are making it tough for fishers who participate in fisheries in other states or federal waters to deliver to Washington markets. The local markets our fishers rely on have been severely impacted by the closure of restaurants, casinos, and other businesses. Reduced demand is impacting buyers and processors, especially those who distribute fresh seafood. Fishermen are experiencing reduced prices at the dock and processors and suppliers are experiencing smaller operating margin...

By Kelly Susewind The annual season setting process of the Pacific Fishery Management Council wrapped up April 10 with recommended seasons for West Coast fisheries. Season recommendations now move forward for approval by the National Marine Fisheries Service and final rulemaking. The entire process was held via webinar this year due to concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The agency appreciates the hard work of co-managers, fishing industry representatives and our advisors who sat through long teleconferences and webinars to determine these seasons. It was a challenging new wrinkle in the process, but everyone rose to the task and adapted to this new way of negotiating fisheries. Unfortunately, it was another challenging year with many depressed stocks limiting harve...